Ladysmith Black Mambazo Albums (19)
'Long Walk to Freedom'
Release Date 1/24/2006
Tracks 14
Label Heads Up
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What The Critics Say
It was a collaboration with a famous American pop star that broke Ladysmith Black Mambazo as an international act in the mid-'80s, and on Long Walk to Freedom they enact a variation on the theme -- only in this case, the project is under their control and the American guests are an eclectic assortment of rock, folk, and pop musicians, who are also joined by pioneering Afro-European chanteuses Zap Mama and a veritable chorus of South African colleagues including Lucky Dube, Hugh Masakela, Thandiswa, and others. You're getting nervous now, and you're right: this is one of those projects that could easily go either way, and in fact it goes both ways. Natalie Merchant brings absolutely nothing of substance or consequence to "Rain Rain Beautiful Rain," nor does Sarah McLachlan contribute much to the group's rather desultory remake of "Homeless." The new version of "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" features Melissa Etheridge and Joe McBride, and is underwhelming until the end of the a cappella intro, at which point the band kicks in -- only it's not a band, it's Ladysmith singing all the instrumental parts, and it's electrifying. The Afro-pop summit meeting that is "Shosholoza" works nicely as well. But the album's best tracks are those on which the group sings by itself: "Nomathemba," the opening track, is one of the album's best, and leader Joseph Shabalala's solo "Thula Thula" ends the program on a very strong note. The disc adds a generous program of CD-ROM tracks including music videos for "Raise Your Spirit Higher" (from their previous album) and "Long Walk to Freedom." Imperfect, but recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
'Live at Montreux, 1987, 1989, 2000'
Release Date 9/5/2005
Tracks 11
Label Eagle
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What The Critics Say
This CD compiles the best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo's performances at the Montreux Festival in reverse chronological order. It is also the soundtrack to a DVD of the various concert performances. While these songs do not necessarily represent a "greatest-hits live" collection, they do capture the great yet subtle energy of one of the finest vocal groups in modern history, and Live at Montreux, 1987, 1989, 2000 offers an intimate view of the group as they interact with the audience. Tracks like "Yibo Labafana," "Nkosi Sikelela," "Homeless," and the utterly gorgeous "King of Kings" provide deeper readings into the emotion and sensitivity Ladysmith approach their material with. There is a resonance here and an empathy not always found on their studio offerings. Recommended. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This pairing of Ladysmith Black Mambazo with the strings of the English Chamber Orchestra (conducted by composer Ralf Gothoni) is a seamless collaboration that has the sweeping, gentle folk melodies of the townships at its heart. Some of the songs here originate from that tradition, while others, such as Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus, and Schubert's Sanctus, are revised and reshaped according to the sweetness inherent in South African vocal music. Also included are a deeply moving reading of "Amazing Grace" and many Joseph Shabalala songs, including "Homeless," written with Paul Simon. This is a stirring, quiet, dignified album that offers proof that there's plenty of magic left in the Ladysmith Black Mambazo trick bag. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
'Raise Your Spirit Higher: Wenyukela'
Release Date 1/27/2004
Tracks 13
Label Heads Up
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What The Critics Say
This is the U.S. release of the German title Raise Your Spirit Higher: Wenyukela that appeared in Germany in 2003. The album comes in both standard and SAS CD formats. As for the music found here, this is just a going-through-the-motions set for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the legendary South African supergroup who use the township sound of Isicathamiya as their base. While most of their recordings are spiritual in nature, this set offers some more secular themes -- including a tune reminding people to buckle their seat belts while driving! Musically, the territory is the same as it ever was, with the only real differential being the voluminous use of English here. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
'Live at the Royal Albert Hall'
Release Date 1/1/1999
Tracks 12
Label Shanachie
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What The Critics Say
Although they've been performing together for over 30 years and have made more than 40 records, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have never made a live album until this performance. This recording finds the group (and particularly leader Joseph Shabalala) at the peak of its powers before a sold-out crowd at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Running through a program consisting of 11 Shabalala compositions that will be familiar to fans, the group sings on themes of love ("Hello My Baby," "Ngamthola"), spirituality ("King of Kings," "Ngothandaza Njalo" [I Will Keep on Praying]), the weather ("Rain Rain Beautiful Rain"), and even Christmas ("Inkanyezi Nezazi" [Star and the Wiseman]). There's the requisite declaration of the group's musical superiority over competitors ("Vulani Amasango" [Open the Gates]) and the even more requisite rendition of "Homeless," a song that Shabalala co-wrote with Paul Simon and that Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed with him on the Graceland album. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
'Thuthukani Ngoxolo (Let's Develop in Peace)'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 12
Label Shanachie
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What The Critics Say
Thuthukani Ngoxolo (Let's Develop in Peace), as the title suggests, is a rallying call from Ladysmith Black Mambazo for world peace and genuine understanding. But, as well-intentioned as they are, lyrics rarely matter with music like this -- the harmonies and polyrhythms are so enchanting, you tend to become mesmerized and just groove along on the sound. Thuthukani Ngoxolo (Let's Develop in Peace) doesn't offer anything out of the ordinary for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, but compared to nearly any other group, the record is quite extraordinary. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide
'Gift of the Tortoise'
Release Date 2/8/1994
Tracks 14
Label Warner Bros.
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What The Critics Say
Best known in America for their collaboration with Paul Simon on his albums "Graceland" and "Rhythm Of The Saints," Ladysmith Black Mambazo now offer this new album for children of ceremonial dances and music of the Zulu people. Enthusiastic narration is provided by Fudugazi, and an old troubadour tortoise played by popular South African performer, producer and director Gcina Mhlophe. Audiences of any age will be fascinated by this magical musical adventure. ~ MusD, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The seventh Shanachie release by the premier South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo is both short (36 minutes) and decisive. The ten selections feature their trademark layered vocals, shimmering harmonies and producer/lead vocalist Joseph Shabbala's transcendent singing rising over the backgrounds. The tracks don't feature any spotlight numbers, but each has sections with memorable exchanges and appealing leads. If anything, the group's customary excellence has led fans to take them for granted. These aren't their finest cuts, but they're not far from them. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
